Fermilab LInC Online
A Desert Oasis: 
Keystone Park and Wetlands

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Check out these web sites about Keystone Park and Wetlands, fauna and flora, soil, water, and weather found in our Keystone Park and other desert wetlands in the United States and around the world.  Be sure to record the URLs of the sites that you visit and use as resources in your project.  To add additional sites to this page, email the URL with the title of the site and a brief description to Albert.

WETLANDS WEB SITES

KEYSTONE PARK

Keystone Park and Wetlands - http://www.elpasogold.com/keystonepage.htm

Find out about the archeological treasures hidden under the El Paso desert sands. A 5,000-year old village, 
possibly the oldest and largest of its time ever found, has been discovered inside El Paso's city limits along 
a rare, ancient and desert wetlands. Water from the nearby Río Grande River has been seeping into 
this old bosque, or marsh, that provides a resting stop for millions of birds of all types as they migrate along 
the Rio Grande. Watch some of these migrating birds fill the sky, including blackneck stilts, egrets, and -YES!- 
hundreds of seagulls! 

Look for photographs of Keystone birds at this link-http://www.elpasogold.com/keystonepage.htm

Keystone Park and Wetland's Official Site - http://www.keystonepark.org/

Continue here for information about Keystone including archaeology, flora and fauna, and other characteristics 
of the site that makes this place that serves as a historic landmark. 

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NEW MEXICO AND TEXAS WETLANDS WEB SITES

Texas Sierra Club - http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/tx/

The Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club provides information about conservation efforts throughout Texas. 
Look for El Paso in the regional Sierra Club groups. 

New Mexico Sierra Club - http://www.sierra.nm.org/

The Río Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club includes New Mexico and West Texas and offers resources 
on regional ecosystems and outings to wetlands in our area.  Look for additional local resources and opportunities 
to join Sierra Club conservation campaigns. 

Wetland Habitat of Texas - http://www.whatduck.org/

Learn about efforts to preserve wetland habitats for hunting in the state of Texas. 

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    NATIONAL WETLANDS WEB SITES

Audubon Society - http://www.audubon.org/campaign/wetland/

The ìSaving Wetlandsî web site includes newsletters, announcements, and information about national and 
international wetlands.  Look for opportunities to become more informed about wetland ecology and 
actively involved in local and regional campaigns to save wetlands. 

Birder's World-http://www.findarticles.com/m0FZU/n4_v12/20889819/p1/article.jhtml

Read this interesting and informative article about restoring weltands from the Birder's World web site. 

Ducks Unlimited - http://www.ducks.org/

The mission of Ducks Unlimited is to fulfill the annual life cycle needs of North American waterfowl by 
protecting, enhancing, restoring and managing important wetlands and associated uplands. 

Environmental Concern, Inc. - http://www.wetland.org/

A non-profit organization dedicated to wetland restoration, research, and education since 1972. 
Look for the Education department for a section called ìWetland Kidsî for some fun activities for 
exploring different types of wetland soil and water. 

National Resources Conservation Service - http://www.pwrc.nbs.gov/wetsci.htm

This site provides information from the Wetland Science Institute on such topics as wetland identification, 
assessment, and restoration. 

National Wildlife Federation - http://www.nwf.org/wetlands/

This web site provides an excellent overview of wetlands and their importance to our country. 
Look for explanations of wetlands and their impact on drinking water, flora and fauna, and weather. 

Society of Wetlands Scientists - http://www.sws.org/

View wetlands worth visiting in this web site sponsored by an organization of 
scientists dedicated to studying, conserving, and teaching about wetlands in the United States and abroad. 

United States Fish and Wildlife Service - http://www.nwi.fws.gov/

Explore the National Wetlands Inventory Center's list of wetlands in the United States. 
Check out the location of wetlands in arid regions of the country.  The new Wetlands Status and Trends 
Report will give you important information on the current status of wetlands and deepwater habitats. 

United States Environmental Protection Agency - http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/

The Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds provides information about 
the 10 EPA regions that support projects for improved water conservation. 

United States Geological Survey - http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/

The National Wetlands Research Center presents a number of research reports on 
 issues related to wetlands conservation, including plant ecology and wetlands restoration. 

Wetlands Education Center - http://agen521.www.ecn.purdue.edu/AGEN521/epadir/wetlands/start.html

Sponsored by Purdue University and the Environmental Protection Agency, this web site offers 
information and resources for learning basic information about wetlands. 

The Wetlands Regulation Center - http://www.wetlands.com/

The Wetlands Regulation Center is presented by Environmental Technical Services Co. as a service 
to all persons interested in the laws, policies and regulations concerning activities regulated under 
Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act in waters of the United States, including wetlands.

Backyard Conservation -http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/CCS/Backyard.html 

Bringing conservation from the countryside to your backyard - Just as they do on the farm, conservation practices on nonagricultural land can help increase food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, control soil erosion, reduce sediment in waterways, conserve water and improve water quality, inspire a stewardship ethic, and beautify the landscape.

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   INTERNATIONAL WETLANDS WEB SITES

British Columbia Wetlands Society-http://www.bcwetlands.com/

The British Columbia Wetlands Society is a non-profit charitable organization with an office in 
Ladner, British Columbia.  The mission of the BCWS is to promote the conservation of British 
Columbia's wetland ecosystems through education, research and stewardship.  Find out about projects 
sponsored by this organization at this web site.

Friends of the Earth - http://www.foe.org/

Search the site using the keyword ìwetlandsî for numerous articles on wetlands around the world. 

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands - http://www.ramsar.org/

The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty which 
provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise 
use of wetlands and their resources.  Learn about the contracting parties to this wetlands treaty and view 
photos from many international wetlands sites. 

Wetlands International-Africa, Europe, Middle East - http://www.wetlands.agro.nl/

Wetlands International is the world's leading non-profit organization concerned with the conservation of 
wetlands and wetland species. Find out about activities to conserve wetlands in more than 120 countries worldwide. 

The World Conservation Union - http://www.uicnhumedales.org/english/index.htm

This site provides wetlands information on sites located throughout Central America. 

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  BIRDS OF A FEATHER WEB SITES (BIRD STUDY)

Audubon-http://www.audubon.org/

Learn about initiatives to promote bird conservation through education, activism, and citizen science.  Explore projects about birds in the Southwest. 

BIRDNET-http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET/index.html

BIRDNET provides information about ornithology, the scientific study of birds. The site is a service of the Ornithological Council, a public information organization involving ten North American professional ornithological societies. 

Birdsource: Birding with a Purpose- http://birdsource.cornell.edu/

Sponsored by the Audubon Society and the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology (located upstate New York), this site offers information on birding, projects about birds, and information for birders.  Use the search tool to find information about your favorite bird and other aspects of birding for both the amateur and professional bird watcher.

Bird Treks Tours-http://4birds.4anything.com/network-frame/0,1855,1890-27791,00.html

The goal of BIRD TREKS is to provide you with a quality, enjoyable, professionally organized birding experience, to beautiful and exciting destinations, all at a reasonable and affordable price. These tours are designed to satisfy the needs of all types of birders, from the neophyte to the seasoned veteran.  Learn about guiding a bi rd watching outing and the equipment needed to organize your own birding outing.

DUCKDATA - http://www.nwrc.gov/duckdata/duckdata.html

DUCKDATA will give you access to the extensive scientific literature concerning North American 
waterfowl, including references emphasizing wetlands but having implications for waterfowl ecology, 
conservation, and management. DUCKDATA also includes selected authoritative references on wetland ecosystems to provide users with a convenient starting point for accessing this literature. 

Endangered Species and Wetlands Report - http://www.eswr.com/

This online publication provides current reports on issues related to federal legislation and conservation of endangered animals and birds and wetlands in the United States. 

Nature's Extraordinary Birds-http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/exbirds/

This four part series was shown on television.  Here you can see photographs of birds featured in this program, including fun games for learning about extraordinary birds.  Look for the birds that live in our region! 

North American Wetland Conservation Act - http://northamerican.fws.gov/NAWCA/nawcahp.html

Learn about efforts to conserve wetlands throughout North America and the impact on waterfowl living 
in wetlands in different regions of the continent. 

Passport to Texas-http://www.passporttotexas.com/birds/index.html

Meet the birds of Texas at this web site.  Look for the Keystone Wetlands birds and learn about ways to 
protect endangered species. 

PBS Life of Birds-http://www.pbs.org/lifeofbirds/

Flight, feeding, adaptation and evolution are the themes of these lessons designed for students in grades 6-12. Learn all about the life of birds, create a feeding frenzy, conduct field studies, and explore the aerodynamics 
of wing design at this web site. 

Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center-http://web5.si.edu:8080/SMBC/default.htm

The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) has developed a unique, interdisciplinary approach to the conservation of migratory birds. The SMBC combines research, education, training, and policy analysis to 
foster throughout the western hemisphere greater understanding, appreciation, and protection of birds and 
the grand phenomenon of avian migration.  Learn about programs in the U.S. and around the world to protect migrating birds and their habitat. 

State Bird of New Mexico: The Roadrunner-http://www.50states.com/bird/roadrunn.htm
State Bird of Texas: The Common Mockingbird-http://www.50states.com/bird/mock.htm

Explore the state birds of New Mexico and Texas.  Use the search engine to find out about other state birds.

United State Fish and Wildlife Service - http://www.fws.gov/~r9mbmo/homepg.html

The Division of Migratory Bird Management works to conserve migratory birds in the United States. 
Learn about the issues affecting migratory birds, including in-flight collisions, availability of public refuges 
for rest during migration, and issues related to shorebirds, some of whom visit the El Paso area. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-http://endangered.fws.gov/

The Fish and Wildlife Service, in the Department of the Interior, and the National Marine Fisheries Service, 
in the Department of Commerce, share responsibility for administration of the Endangered Species Act. 
Learn more about what the Fish and Wildlife Service does to carry out this responsibility at this web site. 

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   CAN YOU DIG IT? WEB SITES (SOIL STUDY)

Better Wetlands - http://www.itc.nl/~rossiter/research/rsrch_ss.html

A Compendium of On-Line Soil Survey Information, compiled by D G Rossiter, Soil Science Division
International Institute for Aerospace Survey & Earth Sciences Enschede, the Netherlands.

Soil Science of America- http://www.soils.org/

The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is the professional home for over 6,000 professionals throughout the world dedicated to the advancement of soil science. The primary purpose of the Society is to advance the discipline and
practice of soil science by acquiring and disseminating information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management and recycling, and wise land use.

Wetland Soils, Soil Science Society of America -http://www.soils.agri.umn.edu/S-10/index.htm 

The purpose of Division S-10 is to help focus scientific enquiry into the role of soil science in wetland
ecosystems.

James Paytonís Constructed Wetlands - http://www.eng.auburn.edu/~paytojd/wetland.html

Learn about soil and water concerns in constructed wetlands sites.  This site offers useful links to additional resources about constructed wetlands. 

Dr. Julian Thompsonís World-wide Wetland and Hydrology Links -http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/~jthompso/links.stm

Resources for researching water issues from around the world. 

USDA-NRCS Hydric Soils - http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/soils/hydric/

Learn about soils and vegetation located in wetlands, called hydric soils, which are formed under 
conditions of saturation, flooding or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. 

Scorecard - http://www.scorecard.org/

Find out how polluted your community is and what you can do to make a difference.  Search the database 
for your community and surrounding areas where wetlands are located. 

Mike Walterís Wetlands Page - http://home.infospace.com/mikew5

Refer to this web site for additional sites related to wetland vegetation, water quality, waterfowl, and 
conservation. 

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  CAN YOU DRINK IT? WEB SITES (WATER STUDY)

All About Water: Everything You Always Wanted to Know -/lincon/w99/projects/allh2o/stu2.html

This Fermilab site offers a list of resources from popular media outlets and governmental organizations 
for the study of water safety. 

Center for Aquatic, Wetland and Invasive Plant Information -http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/manuals.html

A source for information on all aspects of wetlands, including water quality, from the University of Florida. 

Ecomagician Steve Trash - http://www.stevetrash.com/

Find out what tricks Steve Trash has up his sleeve to teach us about water quality. 

EPA Office of Water - http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/

This EPA sponsored program encourages and enables people to act effectively in protecting and restoring 
the nation's wetlands and associated ecosystems, including shallow open waters and free-flowing streams. 
Find our about resources available for water quality surveys and soil composition tests at this site. 

WETLANDS -  http://www.coastalseas.com/wet/wetlands.htm

WETLANDS is a mathematical model for one or two dimensional water flow and solute movement in 
variably- saturated multi-layered porous media featuring optional surface water bodies (ponds) and 
multiple root zones. 

Wetlands and Water Quality - http://persephone.agcom.purdue.edu/~agcom/Pubs/WQ/WQ-10.html

A source for information on characteristics of wetlands, aquatic plants, and waters quality for sustainable 
wetland ecology. 

WETNET - http://edtech.mcc.edu/amen/wetnet.htm

WETNET is a student-gathered water quality database for use by classrooms, industry, government 
agencies, private groups, or virtually anybody who is concerned about water quality in the Saginaw 
Bay Watershed and beyond.   What can you learn from data gathered by these students? 

WOW! Wetlands Activities for Kids - http://www.wetland.org/mshmarkt.htm

This fun activity called ìMarsh Marketî will teach the value of wetlands.  Look at your lunch. 
How many items rely on water to grow?  This activity will give you new insight into the thing that you eat. 

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  WEATHER WEB SITES

NASAís Global Change Master Directory - http://gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Use the search engine to access this comprehensive directory about Earth science and global change data. 

National Hurricane Center - http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

The NHC prepares and distributes hurricane watches and warnings for the general public, and also 
prepares and distributes marine and military advisories for other users. The site provides real-time data 
and images of storms. 

Weather Channel ñ http://www.wunderground.com

Provides current weather information and planting conditions. 

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  TECHNICAL RESOURCES WEB SITES

Energy and Environmental Information Resources Center - http://cuadra.nwrc.gov/

The EE-IR Center benefits users by capturing and organizing the knowledge and experience of 
environmental research librarians.  You can locate information using software tools and infrastructure 
to search for data within databases. 

Top 100 Wetlands Web sites - http://www.100topwetland.com/

Sponsored by the World Environmental Organization, this web site has it all! 

Wetland Education Through Maps And Aerial Photography ñ 
http://www.rac.usl.edu/wetmaap/

The WETMAAP site provides a new means for disseminating environmental information, specifically 
about wetlands and upland habitats, to teachers, faculty, and non-formal educators. 

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 Acknowledgments:  Many thanks to Randy Levy of El Paso, Texas, for the use of his photographs 
of Keystone Park and Wetlands in this web site.  Randy's photographs were taken in February and March 2001.  Can you identify the birds in the photographs?  How many birds do you think live in the Keystone Wetland?  Which web sites above will help you to name the birds in these photographs?



Created for the Fermilab LInC program sponsored by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Education Office and Friends of Fermilab, and funded by United States Department of Energy, Illinois State Board of Education, North Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium which is operated by North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL), and the National Science Foundation.

Author(s): Michele Stafford-Levy, Albert Ortiz, Ellen Treadway, Shirley Davis
School: New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Created: March 3, 2001 - Updated: April 12, 2001
URL: /lincon/w01/projects/nmsuwet/student2.html